Export Controls

Export controls are federal laws and regulations intended to protect U.S. national security interests and support U.S. foreign policies by limiting access to certain types of software, technical data, technology, equipment, and materials.  UVA is committed to complying with export control requirements, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because failing to do so would put both the institution and the people involved at risk of serious fines and penalties.

Most University activities are not subject to export controls.  However, the following are examples of activities where export controls may apply:

• A research project, academic collaboration, educational program, publication, or other activity that explicitly:
  • limits participation of foreign nationals;
  • requires approval of the sponsor before you can publish or present the results; or
  • requires the use of export controlled information, equipment, or materials.
• Taking or shipping/mailing export controlled software, technical data, technology, equipment, or materials out of the U.S. through:
  • carry-on or checked baggage;
  • international shipments.
• Transferring technical information about a controlled item that is not publicly available, for example company proprietary (business confidential) information, to a foreign national regardless of whether this transfer occurs in the U.S. or abroad.
• Travel to conduct research or attend scholarly meetings in sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba and Sudan).
• Interactions with individuals in sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and Sudan)      which may include but is not limited to exchanges of research samples or unpublished data.

Note:  None of these activities are prohibited by the University; rather it is simply that we have to make sure that we follow the law when we choose to be involved in regulated activities.

You can find general information and a link to the University’s export control policy on the Office of Export Controls website.

For more information, or to determine if export controls apply to your research activities, contact the Office of Export Controls (phone: 434-982-5725; e-mail: export-controls@virginia.edu).